Actually, I'm Well Connected

Mount Sumeru towered at the heart of the Merit Sea. The Great Thunderclap Temple stood too high to be seen, but Sanskrit chants drifted from its many Sacred Temples, as though Buddhas dwelled within.

But as the water in the Merit Pool fell, the mighty Buddhist chants on Mount Sumeru faltered for an instant. The Arhats, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas all wore grave expressions.

The waters of the Eight-Treasure Merit Pool were one with Mount Sumeru. They were the foundation of Amitabha Buddha Emperor's longevity and could not be allowed to diminish. In the past, they had only ever risen. Now they were falling.

In a feudal dynasty, this would have been a failed harvest in a year of famine, an empty treasury—a grave offense.

"Amitabha!"

The ancient Buddha seated at their head upon a lotus had kindly brows and gentle eyes. A kasaya draped over him, with sun, moon, and stars revolving across its surface. An invisible majesty surrounded him.

Mount Sumeru's reserves were unfathomable. Besides Victorious Fighting Buddha, another Saint presided over its affairs.

"Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha, we cannot let him keep drinking," the Bodhisattva guarding the Merit Pool said in alarm. "The water has fallen again."

"How virtuous, how virtuous. However much that little monk can drink, how much could it possibly be?"

Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha remained composed. Seated on his lotus, he gave a casual wave. "Leave him be."

"But..." A Bodhisattva hesitated.

"How virtuous, how virtuous." Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha smiled faintly and pointed ahead. "The Merit Pool cannot run dry. Look."

Light blossomed over Mount Sumeru like an immortal mountain, a sacred land. Layer upon layer of silver radiance rose from it, while pale gold light flowed through it—the most sacred, dazzling faith.

That power was so vast it made the heart tremble. It could not